Self-Knowledge

by Nome

The book deals with nondual Self-Knowledge and shows the means of practicing Self-inquiry which leads one to the extinguishment of all misidentification and to the revelation of Reality Consciousness Absolute. The book is intended for sincere aspirants of Self-Knowledge whose sole intent is the pursuit of Liberation. The teachings are thoroughly instructive and are written from actual experience of the Absolute. The method of inquiry and the Realization presented here are identical to that of Sri Ramana Maharshi. Each sentence or paragraph should be read and meditated upon as many times as needed to completely understand the experience being conveyed, and the practice of inquiry taught should be practiced methodically until final Realization.
The first section of the book contains verses divided by spiritual theme. The second section deals with Self-Realization and Self-inquiry. The final sections deal with a great number of spiritual topics in the light of nondual Self-Knowledge, inclusive of brief talks given by Nome and dialogues with many spiritual aspirants that occurred in the satsangs transcribed.
The path of Self-Knowledge is a joyful one. The teachings contained in the book will provide the light for Self-illumination.

481 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2003

Reviews

[Swami Narasimhananda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ramana Maharshi laid stress on Self-inquiry leading to the knowledge of the Self. A teacher of Ramana Maharshi’s philosophy and of Advaita Vedanta, Nome—also known as Jeffrey Smith—has put in simple English truths inaccessible to many because of a lack of familiarity with Sanskrit. The first glance at the book may make one exclaim: ‘Oh! A tome from Nome!’ But careful study establishes its value as a reference work for the followers of the path of Self-inquiry propounded by Advaita Vedanta and Ramana Maharshi.
Divided into four parts, this volume contains aphoristic verses, transcripts of lectures, and answers to questions bringing out various aspects of Advaita Vedanta. English equivalents of the Sanskrit sutras, the verses explicate various traditional ideas like ‘a rabbit with horns’ (64) or ‘a fruit in the hand’ (68). One is reminded of a parable of Sri Ramakrishna by the following lines: ‘Practice, practice, practice intensely/Like a man drowning/Reaching for air’ (32).
The book elucidates various fundamental tenets of Advaita Vedanta and keeps one constantly reminded of the true nature of one’s Self. The nature of the Self, of guru and grace, and concepts like self-annihilation are discussed in detail. The witty and lucid style of answering persistent questions encourages perseverant striving for knowledge. Truly, ‘the answer comes when the mind turns from duality to non­duality’ (432). For anyone interested in attaining Self-­knowledge, this could be a good guidebook.